Looking for older tractor purchase advice

/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #1  

Bigbertha72

Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2017
Messages
26
Location
Kerrville
Tractor
Working on getting one
We only have 5 acres down here in the hill country of texas. Our land is relatively flat so hills and slopes are very minimal on our lot. We are going to try and get a garden in next year. It will be around 1/3 area or so that we are going to start with. I have lots more room to expand if we find the time to later on. So I don't want to spend 20k+ on a tractor. I'm far to cheap to ever do that even though we could offer to finance. I'd rather wait for a good deal on an older tractor. But I want a tractor that has a fel and 3pt for sure. I'd also like to be able to mow the fields down from time to time. We keep about 2 areas mowed down regularly and I'd like to shred down the fields from time to time, the other 3 acres. I do have trees on the property so I don't want to get to big of a tractor and not be able to fit under them . I'm really trying not to get a tractor that's more than I need. I'd like one with a FEL that could lift 1k lbs or so, one that I can grade the driveway. It's 400 ft from the street to the house, then another 400 ft to the back gate. So 800ft of driveway to keep up. I've been watching cl in the area and to get a running fel tractor it's usually 6-8k sometimes cheaper deals pop up. Buy that an average price for a semi decent looking one. But I don't want to get something that's impossible to get parts for either. And I don't mind waiting for the right deal to come along, im in no hurry and got to sell some other projects first to get out of the way and get some extra cash quicker. So what would you recommend? I've heard the old n tractor aren't the best for a fel setup. But honestly I want a fel, I may not use it constantly but I will definitely use it often.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #2  
My advice

Craigslist and drive by the dealer's lot. Stop in even, and tell the sales staff what you are looking for.

Put the word out. There are a lot of tractors in Texas!
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #3  
No recomendations other than skip the old N. (No power steering, high ground speed, not the best for power take off applications)

Haunt the dealerships & private adds. Do lot's of looking to get familiarized with what's available.get some test drives in to evaluate what suits you. Then do serious shopping.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #4  
Must be nice to be perfect.

Someone comes for help - new to the forum - 4 posts - and that's the second response they get. Some welcome...

Welcome to the forum, bigbertha72. Most of us are here to help. If you can be a bit more specific with your budget, we can probably help you zero in on good machines.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #5  
Welccome to TBN. I'd echo Egon's thoughts about the REALLY old gassers (tractors, that is), many of them will live on forever in the hands of someone who doesn't mind tinkering with them to keep them running, but a modern diesel compact will do a lot more and be easier on its owner. Besides, they are designed with a loader in mind, with stronger axles, 4wd and power steering. The trick is finding one that hasn't been beaten into the ground. You may have to look around a lot but many owners move up to a larger tractor and trade or sell their low-hour, good condition unit.

If you're expecting to buy such a tractor, which probably cost upwards of $15k when new, for $3-5k, it probably isn't going to happen. Tractors hold their value better than cars, and last much longer for the most part. At that price, you'll mostly find someone else's worn-out pile of trouble. But you have a chance of getting a decent 4x4 diesel tractor with loader in the $10k (give or take), in most areas.

Don't get hung up too much about the brand. Nearly all the companies that offer these compact tractors made decent, useful equipment and it's much more important to find a tractor that has been used and maintained with care.

These are general comments, of course, but maybe you'll find something useful in them.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #6  
Stay on Craigslist every day along with Tractor House. They are valuable resources for used equipment.
If you are going older I would advise a diesel with power steering and live power. Massey Ferguson and Ford are plentiful in that era.
For FEL work you will want a unit with a straight front axle. A lot of those older units had swept front axles and are not the best for FEL use.
If you can find a mid framed compact it will be difficult to stay under 10K for a good unit with front wheel assist and a FEL. Last year I traded a 1720 New Holland in with 880 hours that was retailed at 12,500.
Good luck and keep us posted.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #7  
I suggest leaving your name and number with any/all tractor dealers in you area...letting them know what you're interested in...most folks buying new tractors don't sell their old ones first and dealers/salesmen are often a great source of knowing who has what for sale or will be for sale...
IMO $6-$8K is at the low end of what you'll find...
FWIW, I see used K_ubota B series w/ FELs in that range most with reasonably low hours...just keep looking you'll find one...
Good Luck...
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #8  
Work with the dealers in your area.. Talk to salesman and let them find a trade in for you.. Lots of folks in texas get 2' itis on there boats and 5 HP itis on there tractors. Patient and network is the key...
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #9  
I echo the above.
I do not own one ....but I have read that the MF 135 and 165 have the highest resale value. Simple and dependable and easy to work on.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #10  
There's lots of good old iron available for $3-6k that'll do what you want. After running several old machines, I'd highly suggest holding out for a tractor with live power and hydraulics, power steering, and 8 or more forward gears. The old Massey's I've seen are very nice, and many have those features. A Ford 600 or 800 series can have them too. A 2000 or 3000 series Ford would be better, though.

If you want one with a loader, look closely at the front end. Most of those old utility tractors weren't designed with front end loaders in mind, and the condition of the front axle is an important consideration when shopping. Also important is tire condition. Tires get expensive quick!

Beyond that, look for something that runs out good, shifts through all it's gears, has functioning brakes, doesn't have a puddle under it, and knock yourself out. Oh, and on that note, be careful. Those old tractors don't have rollover protection.

Oh, and don't mind Jeff. He's got great advice to give sometimes. He can be rude, but I think he means well. :)
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice
  • Thread Starter
#11  
Thanks for all the replies. Gave me some more info to go with.

I been watching cl to see what things are going for around here. I have seen some decent deals pop up with tractors with fel. Saw an old ford 2000 with a fel that worked and ran for 3500, and an old kubota for 4k. A nice looking Bolen for 6k with a fel and schredder. But on average closer to the 8-12k.

When I was looking up the live pto vs non live I stumbled across tractors using the rear dirt scoop. While I would love to have a fel, I'm starting to think that's more of a want than need.

I can get alot nicer tractor if I'm not looking for one with a fel. I think I would be content with using a rear dirt scoop setup for what I actually need. I'm open to opions on that. But I think I would be able to accomplish everything with a rear dirt scoop, rear forklift setup, a 3pt mower, box blade, and a 3pt tiller.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #12  
Thanks for all the replies. Gave me some more info to go with.

I been watching cl to see what things are going for around here. I have seen some decent deals pop up with tractors with fel. Saw an old ford 2000 with a fel that worked and ran for 3500, and an old kubota for 4k. A nice looking Bolen for 6k with a fel and schredder. But on average closer to the 8-12k.

When I was looking up the live pto vs non live I stumbled across tractors using the rear dirt scoop. While I would love to have a fel, I'm starting to think that's more of a want than need.

I can get alot nicer tractor if I'm not looking for one with a fel. I think I would be content with using a rear dirt scoop setup for what I actually need. I'm open to opions on that. But I think I would be able to accomplish everything with a rear dirt scoop, rear forklift setup, a 3pt mower, box blade, and a 3pt tiller.


I personally think a FEL is a must if you only have one tractor.
It is something that is the reason a lot of people trade. Just my thoughts. Once I added a grapple, I was in tractor heaven.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #13  
Thanks for all the replies. Gave me some more info to go with.

I been watching cl to see what things are going for around here. I have seen some decent deals pop up with tractors with fel. Saw an old ford 2000 with a fel that worked and ran for 3500, and an old kubota for 4k. A nice looking Bolen for 6k with a fel and schredder. But on average closer to the 8-12k.

When I was looking up the live pto vs non live I stumbled across tractors using the rear dirt scoop. While I would love to have a fel, I'm starting to think that's more of a want than need.

I can get alot nicer tractor if I'm not looking for one with a fel. I think I would be content with using a rear dirt scoop setup for what I actually need. I'm open to opions on that. But I think I would be able to accomplish everything with a rear dirt scoop, rear forklift setup, a 3pt mower, box blade, and a 3pt tiller.

First of all THANK YOU for using paragraphs.

Don't let the FEL slip away so quickly.

First of all FEL is Front End Loader, not a "bucket" on the front. One can attach a number of different implements to a FEL. Even if you get the common FEL w/ bucket set up it's often one attaches pallet forks or a trailer receiver hitch to the bucket.

And if you plan on getting older the FEL w/ bucket greatly helps in lifting almost anything, saving a lot of back pain. I've moved freezers and furniture with mine, besides dirt, gravel, etc.

Another place to look is surplus small government sales. I've followed public surplus.com for years and have seen many tractors come up for sale. Some are scrap and beat to death but some agencies have rules about keeping equipment to old and routinely cycle out barely used equipment.

You also usually "can get a lot nicer tractor" if you go with 2WD but unless you have very flat terrain I wouldn't recommend it.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #14  
Never used a rear scoop but I think it would have a very limited use. Can't lift very high for sure. Go with a loader. Do you need 4 wheel drive ? Probably not but almost needed when using the loader. What are you cutting ? Field and or lawn with a brush hog? May need turf tires. A MF 135 would be a good choice for a less expensive option.
Al
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #15  
One thing to note on the FEL idea: Pay attention to how the bucket is mounted, a quick attach is almost a requirement if you plan to swap the bucket for an endless amount of FEL attachments.

SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) is what a lot of tractors use, JD uses a proprietary quick attach which limits attachment availability some.

My preferred set up is my 42in pallet forks on the FEL with a rear blade behind, I can do 99% of my chores with this set up.

Pallet forks make a FEL for me, I use them so much and so often that I would add a FEL to a tractor just for forks.

I use mine for driveway maintenance (250 ft) and feeding and raising livestock (cattle and chickens)

If you have a tractor with R4s your gonna want 4x4, if you have a tractor with AG (R1, R1w or R2) tires, you can get away with 2wd but may have to pull it out a few times a year.

I personally think a FEL is a must have for a tractor, I would hate to just have 3pt attachments, sure they could do most of work but your extremely limited, you don't have the reach a FEL provides. In my opinion a FEL is like a scalpel and a 3pt scoop is a mini non serrated plastic knife.

You can move material with a scoop but you can't stack/ pile it very high, it would be almost impossible to spread the material out without changing implements all the time ext.
 
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/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #16  
TractorHouse.com | Used Tractors For Sale: John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Kubota.
SearchTempest: Search all of Craigslist nationwide & more = search mutli craig list cities
craiglist has a better setup, and making sure you enter... "tractor" to search for, then enter your zip code and miles away from you. seems to be including nice range of cities within given distance.

check your local newspapers. ya some of them are pretty much useless but some times there might be a listing.

check your local auctions as well. though in recent years auctions around here. pretty much a wash and folks paying more at auction than other.

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checkout Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer = good spot for newbies to check out various attachments for tractors, with text and videos of how to setup stuff up and use the attachments/implements for tractors. then hit TBN and youtube to see what folks have done as well. so you get an idea of usage and how folks have done things before.

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old tractors, there really is no brand thing or what to stay away from. it is what is mechanical running = good.

the only way you are going to get any experience let alone find out what is available. is get out there and begin test driving different used tractors so you can see what is really bad and you want to run away from, and fair deals, to the always rare awesome deal.

buying used = making sure you get the FEL with tractor and it is connected and running. it tends to be way to expensive to add a third party FEL after you bought a used tractor or even adding a FEL after you bought a new tractor. the exception might be if you are a welder and have the various tools already and somehow manage to find a used loader that will fit your tractor.

the 3pt hitch, make sure parts are there and nothing is completely bent up, torn up, cracked on rear end of tractor. when test driving after it is warmed up make sure you hook something up and put weight on the 3pt hitch to make sure it raises and lowers with weight on it. check chains, sway bar/chains most likely beneficial for you if not they cost some.

you do not need a quick attach FEL or 3pt hitch. granted telescopic lower lift arms, or pats easy hitch or quick attach can be rather nice. it is not necessary.

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beyond tractor in good running mechanical condition (could be a rust bucket and still be better than nicely painted shiny things) would be tire tread. tractor tires can be rather costly. if they are cracking to 50% tread left. be prepared to get a new set of tires.

does not matter if tractor is gas or diesel. when getting used. ya there is a difference. but used and in budget for yourself. hold for good running tractor vs tossing out a tractor based on fuel it runs on.

make sure all the gears and rages work for the transmission.

good chance brakes barely work. due to many times brakes are wet brakes and inside everything, it can be a rather big job for a DIY to replace them. assuming they can not be adjusted any more.

make sure you test drive them. and let them warm up and run 15 minutes or so. and test drive again and then check for hydrualic leaks to engine leaks or like.

good chance non of the lights will work. or they been broken off. lights are fairly easiy to fix within reason.

old 2WD tractors can be good enough, you do not need 4WD / MFWD tractor.

CAT 1 3pt hitch. you do not need a CAT II 3pt hitch tractor. 30HP most likely max HP. and 20HP roughly for MIN HP.

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rear blade, box blade, rotatory cutter, finishing mower, 3pt hitch backhoe with subframe, post hole digger, plow, disc, tiller, drag harrow / chain harrow, weight box, filled rear tires with a fluid, tire weights. might be worth check prices on for new vs used. so if someone has something for sale you can jump on deal possibly.

small size tractor going to have issue with digging and a tooth bar for FEL generaly duty bucket most likely wanted.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #17  
My 2003 30 hp NH TC30 does everything I want- 4wheel drive, FEL. Gravel, tilling, bushhog, hiller, snow plowing, tipping trees over,etc..
I think 30 hp is plenty with 4x4. The FEL is very useful.
Bought it used on Craigslist in Maine.
Just keep looking. Unless it has a warranty, you are paying dealer markup and I wonder if it is worth it.
Good luck looking.
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #18  
Never used a rear scoop but I think it would have a very limited use. Can't lift very high for sure. Go with a loader. Do you need 4 wheel drive ? Probably not but almost needed when using the loader. What are you cutting ? Field and or lawn with a brush hog? May need turf tires. A MF 135 would be a good choice for a less expensive option.
Al

I made do with the rear scoop and drag bucket on the Fordson E27n for many years. It's handi for moving firewood, and really a power tool for clearing out a dry pond bottom or trenching for surface drainage.

I use it in favor of the FEL for dirt work, but the FEL excels as a lifting boom and for turning the compost or stacking snow. ;-)
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #19  
My 2003 30 hp NH TC30 does everything I want- 4wheel drive, FEL. Gravel, tilling, bushhog, hiller, snow plowing, tipping trees over,etc..
I think 30 hp is plenty with 4x4. The FEL is very useful.
Bought it used on Craigslist in Maine.
Just keep looking. Unless it has a warranty, you are paying dealer markup and I wonder if it is worth it.
Good luck looking.

It's more of a maintenance issue, guys who take care of there stuff sell it like it's gold, guys who don't sell cheap but usually it's a problematic piece of equipment.

Rarely is there one in between but it does happen, that's the reason I was gonna buy new until I found a used JD I was willing to throw the dice on, 25h of time on the machine later and so far so good. Knock on wood
 
/ Looking for older tractor purchase advice #20  
It's a crap shoot. Over the years I have probably bought and sold 15 used tractors and have had 2 lemons, both engine overhauls that I failed to recognize at the time of purchase. One I sold and covered my expenses plus time I used it and the other I still have; a 1965 Ford 3000 I overhauled when I bought it some 15 or so years ago.
 
 
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